Offices everywhere,
whether they’re in a school,
a government agency, or a hospital,
rely on office clerks to help keep them running.
General office clerks perform
a variety of clerical tasks
from answering telephones
to typing documents and filing records.
Rather than performing
a single specialized task,
these clerks have responsibilities
that change with the needs of the employer…
their duties may even change daily.
Some clerks enter data into computers
or use software applications
to perform other tasks.
They also frequently
use a variety of office equipment
such as photocopiers, scanners,
and fax machines.
A clerk’s specific duties
depend on the office they work in.
For example, a general office clerk
at a college or university
may process college applications
while a clerk at a hospital
may file and retrieve medical records.
Most clerks work in an office setting full time,
but part-time positions are not uncommon.
Office clerks usually learn their skills
while on the job.
Their training typically lasts around one month
and may include instructions
on office equipment, procedures,
and proper phone etiquette.
Most office clerks need a high school diploma
or equivalent.
For those who aren’t familiar
with word processing
and spreadsheet software,
computer courses may be helpful